Authorities probe Saturday night fire on Kilbourn Street

Firefighters had to battle several factors, including 12 oxygen tanks, downed power lines and water issues in battling a two-alarm fire Saturday night.

No people were home at the time of the fire.

When firefighters and police arrived on the scene, the second floor of the two-and-a-half story house at 77 Kilbourn Road was heavily involved, according to Fire Chief Michael Hanson.

“The first arriving Lancaster engine was hampered by downed power lines across the street that were live and arcing, making it difficult to get close to the fire and advance hose lines,” Hanson said. Police were advised by a relative that there was no one in the house, but that there were 12 oxygen tanks inside, the chief said.

“With this information and the advancement of the fire and the live power lines down, the decision was made not to make an interior attack,” Hanson said. “Shortly after, there were multiple explosions from these tanks that caused the fire to spread faster.”

A second alarm was requested for manpower and tankers for water supply. Hanson said a third alarm was requested for more manpower “as the house became fully involved and the roof collapsed.

“During the fire, we were told that two dogs were in the house and firefighters made a search, finding one right away,” he said. “After another search, the second dog was found and efforts were made to revive the dog and were successful. The owners then brought the dog to the veterinarian.”

There were no injuries to anyone in the house or any firefighters, Hanson said.

According to the chief, the main house is a total loss and damage is estimated at $300,000 to $350,000.

Mutual aid on the scene was provided by Clinton, Sterling, Bolton, West Boylston, Leominster, Lunenburg, Shirley, Devens, Ayer, Harvard, Hudson and Stow; Fitchburg and Boylston provided coverage during the fire.

Hanson said the fire is under investigation by the Lancaster Fire Department and the state fire marshal's office.

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